Unique Entry & Exit Features to Consider for Your Pool

Do you want to make a real splash with your entrance into your pool party? Sure, you could do a dramatic wade through the shallow end or your signature cannonball into the depths of the deep end. But what if there were an even more exciting entry or exit feature that combines style with enhanced functionality to set your pool apart from the rest?

Here are some fascinating swimming pool construction and design concepts you can incorporate in your upcoming build to make your pool feel special and distinct.

Infinity Edges

Infinity pools are popular because they make the pool look like it goes on forever. Most people consider these to be exclusive, luxury designs. But their uniqueness isn’t the only appealing part of them.

Infinity edge pools can make entries and exits blend naturally with the surrounding space. This is particularly beneficial if any challenging slopes are impeding your project. But best of all? An infinity edge looks spectacular — it’s like having a private ocean right in the comfort of your backyard. This sleek and modern look makes infinity edge pools one of the most popular pool styles.

Beach Entry

Another way to get that beachy ocean feel without an infinity pool is to build a beach entry pool. These pools slope from your patio or deck directly into the water. Much like the infinity experience, it feels like a more natural and cohesive way to take a dip, especially when you compare it to the average ladder.

Beach entry pools also offer a sophistication similar to infinity edges, but they lean more toward integrating with spaces that capitalize on natural elements. They also make it easier for young ones and less confident swimmers to gradually enter the pool.

Many pool construction contractors recommend beach entry as an entrance and exit option for pools because of how versatile it is as a starting point for the rest of the design.

The Swim-Up Bar

While it might have you spending a pretty penny on a yearly tiny umbrella budget, the swim-up bar is an excellent way to transition from one part of the party to another. Any potential pool owner who wants to build their outdoor space primarily for socializing should consider this as an option.

You can add in-water seating to let guests lounge and soak up the sun as they enjoy their cocktails. This can also be a way to exit or enter a particular section of the pool. For example, you may make the swim-up bar area almost like a shallow wading pool.

The best part is that you can combine other entrances and exits, like the beach entry, with your swim-up bar to turn your basic backyard into a five-star resort. You can also make larger entrances and exits, like the swim-out or Baja shelves, into a makeshift swim-up bar that acts as an extension of the rest of the pool. There’s a lot of design flexibility.

The Tried-and-True Ladders and Steps

Ladders and steps are the industry standard for a reason: they’re safe and cost-effective, and they get the job done. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your steps or ladders a bit more unique. All you need is a touch of creativity and the right materials to make it happen.

A ladder provides handrails for you to grab onto when entering and exiting the pool. Stairs often have non-slip materials that make it safer to go for a swim, especially for those with stability or mobility concerns. Fortunately, these features are so popular with pool builders that it’s easy to find one that complements your pool design.

Last but certainly not least, it’s much cheaper to install a few ladders than it is to carve out an entire swim-up bar. It won’t get you any closer to a mojito, but it will help you and your guests get in and out of the pool safely. Most pool builders will still recommend installing ladders, and many pool construction regulations require one for pools that reach a certain depth.

The Swim-Out

Safety matters to you, but perhaps you’d like an alternative feature that doesn’t clash with your design. Consider the swim-out. Pool builders usually install these toward the deep end of the pool. They are underwater benches that allow you to enter and exit the water by swimming up or holding onto the shelf. You can even use it as a resting spot for when you want to take a short break.

Some designs (usually called pool ledges) have enough space for chairs, where you can soak up some sun before you do a few more laps. That makes it an attractive design choice for those who don’t have the outdoor space to build a full deck. This entrance/exit isn’t necessarily a substitute for ladders. Still, it makes swimming in the deep end much safer without sacrificing style.

Baja Shelves

Baja shelves are similar to swim-outs but have one primary purpose: they give you a place to exit the water and sunbathe. They are different from swim-outs in that they won’t always be toward the deep end of the water. They also won’t be very deep themselves — usually only six to eighteen inches.

These are more than just an entrance and exit option. Having a Baja shelf is much like having an entirely new pool, one dedicated to socializing and lounging in the water. Depending on how deep you make it, it can be fun for all ages.

Baja shelves cost just about as much to install as swim-outs. But once you think of it as more than just a way to get in and out of your pool, you’ll see that Baja shelves and similar features pull double duty.

Design Custom Swimming Pool Features With Help From Tampa Bay Pools

It’s time for a custom pool design you can really get into (and out of)! Reach out to our team at Tampa Bay Pools to talk with an expert about how we can create unique pool entry and exit features to make your design stand out.